Serge P. da Motta Veiga

The Role and Types of Job Search Strategies as Career Growth Tool for Mid-Career Professionals

This study examines whether and how job search strategies mediate the relationship between core self-evaluations (CSE) and career growth for mid-career professionals. Using a path analysis approach to analyze a national sample of mid-career professionals (N = 269), results revealed that CSE was positively related to the direct job search strategy (i.e., contacting employers directly) and negatively to the networking job search strategy (i.e., contacting friends/relatives). Interestingly, the direct job search strategy was positively related to both a recent promotion and salary increase (i.e., objective career growth), while the networking job search strategy was positively related to increased job satisfaction (i.e., subjective career growth). Findings also indicated that CSE was positively related to salary increase and a recent promotion. These findings suggest that job search strategies are one mechanism through which individual differences, such as CSE, can influence mid-career professionals’ career ...This study examines whether and how job search strategies mediate the relationship between core self-evaluations (CSE) and career growth for mid-career professionals. Using a path analysis approach to analyze a national sample of mid-career professionals (N = 269), results revealed that CSE was positively related to the direct job search strategy (i.e., contacting employers directly) and negatively to the networking job search strategy (i.e., contacting friends/relatives). Interestingly, the direct job search strategy was positively related to both a recent promotion and salary increase (i.e., objective career growth), while the networking job search strategy was positively related to increased job satisfaction (i.e., subjective career growth). Findings also indicated that CSE was positively related to salary increase and a recent promotion. These findings suggest that job search strategies are one mechanism through which individual differences, such as CSE, can influence mid-career professionals’ career growth.

Interaction of Gender, Application Sources, and Length of Hiring on Job Offers and Job Choice

Although it is important to understand what influences job offers and job choice, little to no research has simultaneously examined predictors of these two outcomes. In this study, we integrate sig...

Conversational humor and job satisfaction at work: exploring the role of humor production, appreciation, and positive affect

Abstract This study examined whether everyday conversational humor is related to job satisfaction, and if the relationship is mediated by positive affect. We also explored differences between the roles of humor production and humor appreciation, and tested the cyclical nature of the relationship by examining whether job satisfaction stimulates subsequent humor. Data were obtained through an experience sampling study in which participants completed two brief surveys each day for 10 consecutive workdays (Level 1 n=237–279, Level 2 N=35). Results revealed a positive relationship between humor and job satisfaction that was partially mediated by positive affect, and also indicated that job satisfaction on day t predicted humor production the morning of day t + 1. This study contributes to the literature by examining the previously theorized but untested hypothesis that humor’s effects stem from their impact on affect, and also by exploring the distinction between humor production and appreciation.

Should we talk? Co-rumination and conversation avoidance in job search

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to adopt an approach/avoidance coping framework to examine the relationships of job search co-rumination (i.e. engaging in repeated and excessive conversations with a friend about job search problems) and job search talk avoidance (i.e. persistently seeking to escape conversations about the job search) on job search intensity and job search procrastination. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed 196 new labor market entrants (i.e. graduating students) at two points in time during their last semester in college. Findings The authors found that job search co-rumination is positively related to job search intensity, while job search talk avoidance is positively related to job search procrastination. Interestingly, though, the expected negative relationships between job search co-rumination and job search procrastination and between job search talk avoidance and job search intensity were not significant. Practical implications This study has implications for both job seekers and career counselors. For job seekers, understanding how their communication patterns influence their behaviors (and ultimately their success) can help them to see the benefits of a balanced approach to sharing about their job search. Furthermore, career centers could organize either job search mentoring or peer group programs to help job seekers navigate the intricacies of the job search process. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding whether and how talking (or not) with others (i.e. friends and relatives) about one’s job search influences one’s job search behaviors, such as intensity and procrastination.